Game 9, Serie A
Sunday, December 8, 1974
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio Bologna 1-0
A Franzoni goal hopefully puts an end to Lazio's difficulties
In Serie A, the Biancocelesti started well winning the first three games, but then they lost the lead with four points in the next five. They were currently fifth with 10 points together with a number of teams but not too far off first place which was held by Juventus with 13 points. The previous Sunday Lazio had lost the derby.
The match
Lazio needed to win to regain a bit of confidence after losing the derby. The game was played in two distinct phases: before the 28th minute and after.
Initially the Biancocelesti were dangerous when in the 23rd minute a low cross in the box from Roberto Badiani was about to reach Giorgio Chinaglia but Long John was sandwiched between Mauro Bellugi and Vittorio Caporale. A probable penalty but the referee gestured to play on as the ball then reached Renzo Garlaschelli who was a little surprised so his aim was not as good as it could have been and his shot hit the woodwork. Previously Franco Nanni had to leave the pitch for 6 minutes following a harsh tackle and when he came back, Garlaschelli left for a few minutes, he too was a victim of Bologna’s “caresses”. But everything changed in the 28th minute. Eraldo Pecci went off on a counter attack with Beppe Savoldi, Pietro Ghedin stopped the former with a strong tackle which the Bologna player did not really appreciate. Pecci kicked the Lazio defender and was sent off.
At that point the Biancocelesti threw caution to the wind and attacked, rather confusedly, but at least attacked. Garlaschelli missed an open goal chance in the 41st minute and Badiani imitated him shortly after.
In the interval Tommaso Maestrelli substituted Nanni with Paolo Franzoni. Chinaglia almost immediately hit the post with a header from a Luciano Re Cecconi cross. Lazio scored in the 61st minute. One-two between Mario Frustalupi-Re Cecconi, cross in the box, Franzoni controlled the ball with his chest and then volleyed it in. Marvellous goal.
What followed was a hit and miss from Lazio who continued to attack in a disorderly fashion. Bologna did not attempt anything at all until the 85th minute when Claudio Maselli crossed into the box, Pino Wilson tried to clear but sent the ball the wrong way, fortunately Felice Pulici confirmed what a great keeper he was.
A good win for the Biancocelesti, hoping that the crisis has been left behind.
Who played for Lazio
Pulici, Ghedin, Martini, Wilson, Oddi, Nanni (46’ Franzoni), Garlaschelli, Re Cecconi, Chinaglia, Frustalupi, Badiani
Manager: Maestrelli
Who played for Bologna
Buso, Roversi, Cresci, Caporale, Bellugi, Maselli, Ghetti, Pecci, Savoldi, Massimelli, Brugnera (46' Colomba)
Substitutes: Adani, Paris
Manager: Pesaola
Referee: Mascali
Goal: 61’ Franzoni
Red Card: 28' Pecci
Sources
Comments